Beautification of the Hampton Beach Village District

Hampton Beach Village District
- Part 4 -

Special to the Atlantic News

Atlantic News, Friday, September 7, 2007

[The following article is courtesy of Atlantic News]

(Editor's Note: This is the fourth of a series of articles provided by members of the "Precinct Pen" Newsletter Committee of the Hampton Beach Village District.)

HAMPTON -- At the 2006 Annual Precinct Meeting, community members signed up to work towards the goal of beautifying Hampton Beach. Beautification efforts seek to improve the attractiveness of the area, making our community a desirable place to live and visit.

The streetscape improvements and gardens that have been established as the result of the work of the Beautification Committee have taken much effort and commitment. The scope of the future envisioned projects is ambitious and can only expand with the continued support of volunteers that will assist in keeping our "green infrastructure" thriving and beautiful.

The Mile Long Bridge Garden

This lush and vibrant garden at the Southern gateway to Hampton Beach on Route 1 A was planted in 2006. Annuals, perennials, small shrubs and grasses were selected to withstand coastal conditions.

The transformation from blacktop to a flower garden continues to require consistent maintenance and care. In return this garden provides a colorful sight as people enter and leave the beach. Plants in the garden were also selected to provide supportive habitats for migrating butterflies.

This year, we will name the garden The Mile Long Bridge Garden because of its proximity to the old historic bridge. In its time, the bridge was the longest wooden bridge in the world. Plans for a commemorative plaque are being finalized.

The Wildflower Island Meadow

This garden is located on the easterly entrance to Hampton Beach on Route 101. The site has been prepared and seeded with a special mix of low growing annuals and perennials. It will take at least two years for this flower meadow to be established. We need to thank Caroll from the Urban Forestry Center for the use of their large water truck and to Aquarion for opening the hydrant to fill it. The newly planted wildflower seeds got a good soaking to give them a head start.

Second Precinct Flower Day

On June 2, 2007 the garage of the Precinct building was set up as a one-stop planting center. On this day Precinct members purchased plants, soil and containers at cost or wholesale prices. Volunteers assisted property owners to design and plant their containers and window boxes. This year many businesses and property owners pre-ordered their containers to color and sun-exposure specifications. The event was once again a success.

Ongoing beautification projects

In addition to the island gardens at the gateways to the beach we have: • Planted and maintained 11 trees on Ashworth Avenue. Two trees will need to be replaced this fall.

• Planted and maintained the urns across the Ashworth Hotel.

• Planted and maintained beach fire station garden.

• Planted lilacs, Rosa rugosas, Rose of Sharon and pear tree at the State Park. All of the plantings at the State Park have been private donations.

• Established flower beds in front of the Sea Shell bathrooms.

• Planted and maintained flower pots at public viewing deck on Harbor Road.

• Obtained old boats to be used as planters. Thank you Clews family, Hampton Harbor Hotel and Al Gauron Deep Sea Fishing.

Special Thanks: To All Helping Hands

• Cathy Silver, Pam Keir and Winnacunnet High School students for helping with the Hampton Beach Fire Station Garden and the clean-up and planting projects at the State Park.

• Urban Forestry Center for all of their assistance and support. AJ and Caroll's knowledge and enthusiasm have been priceless.

• To the small group of dedicated volunteers for their hard work helping us to maintain all of our beautification projects.

We always need volunteers! If you enjoy the flowers and want to give us a hand please e-mail us hamptonbeach scape@gmail.com or call Geannina at (603) 926-0015 or Linda at (603) 929-3850.

If you happen to see a monarch butterfly at the Spring Marsh contact Gayle Sweeney, PO Box 1582, Hampton NH 03843 or send the information to hamptonbeachscape@gmail.com and we will pass the story along for her study. The Spring Marsh is between Winnacunnet on the North end and Church Street/ Route 101 at Hampton Beach at the South end.